So what is Arboriculture? Arboriculture is essentially the management of trees and shrubs wherever there are people. Arboriculture includes the planting and aftercare of trees and shrubs within the urban forest on behalf of the community. The aim of arboriculture is to maintain the amenity value of these trees and shrubs in respect of, for example, the ability to soften the built environment, reduce atmospheric pollution and to attract wildlife. In this sense, arboriculture involves the planning and management of human environments that are sustainable and fit places to live. Professions employed within the above framework will usually be referred to as arboriculturists.

(Russell Ball I.S.A)

So why is tree surgery so expensive? All tree surgery companies no matter what size have to by law comply with certain rules and regulations set down by the Health and Safety Executive, Highways Authority, Local Planning Authority (TPO), training and British Standards. They also have to have a current public liability and employer’s liability insurance in force.

1.Public Liability and Employers Liability Insurance for arboriculture is very expensive, it is regarded as one of the highest risk groups in the insurance industry. It is also calculated on the turn over of the company and with only five or six underwriters the market is very limited.

2.Training for tree surgery is always ongoing from new courses to refresher courses.

3.Every person has to be qualified to NPTC standards to become a tree surgeon. From unit 30 onwards. Areas of training cover chainsaw use and maintenance, felling, climbing and ariel rescue, chainsaw use from rope and harness, use of chippers, setting up road and traffic management and so on. The identification of trees, diseases and fungal decay to law and health and safety regulations.

4.The supply of PPE Personal protective equipment to all staff involved in arboriculture is approximately £380.00 per person with a minimum of two climbers and one grounds man.

5.Tree climbing equipment I.e. Ropes, harnesses, karabiners and lowering equipment can cost into the £1000’s per climbing team.

6.Chainsaws are expensive items to purchase and proper maintenance must be carried out to maintain reliability.

7.Compliance with The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). This regulation is very strict with regards to all climbing equipment and lowering equipment. All climbing equipment has to be inspected every six months and lowering equipment every twelve months, this has to be carried out by a LOLER registered inspector and can cost well over £250 a time. Along with that all equipment for climbing and lowering have to be replaced every five years. All equipment has to be weekly checked and records kept for inspection. This section is also a requirement for the public liability insurance.

8.Compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) All of these are to maintain standards in the arboricultural industry and maintain the safety of all staff and members of the public. It is of the utmost importance that the client checks that any tree surgeon they employ carries the current NPTC units and can prove this before work commences.

NO NPTC! NO INSURANCE ,CAN YOU TAKE THAT RISK?